Grow your Story Tree this summer with Libraries NI
Join the Big Summer Read 2026 at your local library in NI and watch your Story Tree grow.
Source: Libraries NI
Every book you read adds a new leaf, helping your tree fill with stories, adventures and ideas throughout the summer.
What is the Big Summer Read?
The Big Summer Read is a free reading challenge for primary school–aged children, taking place in libraries across Northern Ireland.
This year’s theme is The Story Tree. Every book you read becomes a leaf on your tree, helping it grow all summer long.
Children can read anything they enjoy, from comics and adventure stories to funny books and facts
How does the Big Summer Read work?
1. Sign up at your local library
2. Read books – any kind you like
3. Add a leaf for every book you read
4. Read 10 or more books to complete the challenge
What you’ll get
- Your own Story Tree to track your reading
- The chance to try new stories and discover favourites
- A bookmark when you reach 5 books
- A certificate when you reach 10 books
- Fun events and activities in your library
Join storytime, crafts and activities inspired by the Story Tree throughout the summer.
View upcoming events
Who can take part
The Big Summer Read is for children of primary school age.
Families are encouraged to take part together and visit the library throughout the summer.
A few things to know
- Children can read any books they enjoy
- You can take part at any library in Northern Ireland
- There’s no pressure, just read at your own pace
Ready to get started?
Visit your local library to sign up and start growing your Story Tree.
Go all in for the National Year of Reading and learn more about nature, climate and the environment.
Check out the ESDF book lists for all ages at the ESDF Green Libraries Week and Book Week NI resources
Here are some of our ESDF recommendations for primary school age readers:
Environment by Jonathan Litton – A fascinating introduction to the environment – the air, soil, water, plants and animals. How do our actions affect the environment and what on Earth can we do about it?
Climate crisis for beginners by Andrew Prentice – An informative guide to climate change, global warming, pollution and the impact these are having on our planet. Cartoons, comic strips and diagrams offer simple explanations of big ideas, and there is clear text and bright, infographic style illustrations on every page, includes tips on how we can help save the planet, a glossary, and links to specially selected websites with more information.
Helping Our Planet by Jane Bingham – We are bombarded by warnings about the health of our planet, but what can we actually do to help? This hands-on guide is filled with suggestions for everyday actions and choices that will help readers take better care of the Earth.
Kids fight plastic by Martin Dorey – Have you got 2 minutes? That’s all the time it takes to become a superhero. We need superheroes to fight plastic and help save our oceans.
Kids fight extinction by Martin Dorey – Get ready to team up with some of world’s rarest animals. Together we can fight extinction and save the earth’s wildlife by speaking up and changing what we eat, how we travel and the things we buy.
Inspired to get outdoors and learn more this summer? Check out our ESDF Summer Spotlight for events across Northern Ireland.
